The Annual Order of Malta pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, took place in May of 2024 and for a second year running, the Companions of Kenya were on parade.

2024 Pilgrims

HE Wilhelm von Trott zu Solz

Mrs. Nathalie Houben

Mr. Joseph Ndinda

Brigadier David ‘Monty’ Montgomery

Ms. Millicent Olala

Ms. Emily Barren

Dr. Sylvester Babu

Mr. Sam Mattock

The Companions of Kenya were embedded into the ward teams of the British Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (BASMOM), our hospital pilgrims were made to feel like long lost friends by their fellow pilgrims.
Everything in Lourdes is done in the pursuit of care for our Lords the Sick. Wards cleaned, beds made, dishes washed, teas brewed, meals served, pushing and pulling of chairs, lighting of candles and silent and spoken prayers offered up. Early starts, late to bed, it was none stop. Everyone has a duty, everyone takes part, we all look after each other, no one is forgotten, no one is left behind.
Everyone that comes with the Order of Malta to Lourdes has their own reason for doing so, it is a personal and unique journey and at the root of it, is Faith. The simplicity and the beauty of the week in this sacred place is a miracle in itself.

Whilst the Orders Ambassador to Kenya, HE Wilhelm von Trott zu Solz, has been on pilgrimage to Lourdes many times, he has not attended the Order of Malta pilgrimage, 2024 was his first time. He was awarded his Order of Malta Lourdes Pilgrimage medal, on the hospital ward by Nathalie Houben and in the presence of all of the Kenyan Pilgrims.

the Pilgrimage is best summed up by those it is intended for – See below, some comments from the Kenyan Contingent

David Montgomery

Any note would be inadequate to say how grateful I am that you managed to get me onto the pilgrimage to Lourdes last week.

As I think you may have guessed I didn’t believe all the hyperbole, but now having seen it and been there, I am very much a believer. There were many highlights of our time there, but for me the annointing of the sick and the stations of the cross really got through to me.

It has been difficult to explain to friends back here what was special about it but I would just highlight the abundance of ME time and how one felt genuinely closer to God.

Joseph Ndinda

My experience in Lourdes was awesome, the helpers were Angels on earth and 2 Samuel 1 to 19 sums it up for me. may the Lord bless all pilgrims and families and thank you once again to the organisers. May we go on another pilgrimage together.

Millicent Olalo

I just had many truly memorable experiences – first one was in prayer at the grotto where it had many people and I was really touched at the grotto, burning of candle as I was praying for my brother who was sick and when I came back, he was much much better.

We had many good helpers including Monica. She could assist in dressing me each day and good communication.

Singing in the church this really motivated me a lot.

We could pray together at night with a fellow Pilgrim called Blydwin.

Emily Barren really assisted us in the movement from Kenya to France and in the hospital wards so much and Samuel Mattock also assisted in both ways travelling and in the wards.

Thank you for giving me this amazing opportunity.

Dr Sylvester Babu – Pilgrim Doctor

The pilgrimage to Lourdes for yet another year was exhilarating, monumental, and devoutly religious.

The experience to me as a Catholic is indeed indelible.

Being with the malade of course being immensely heart-warming.

I can’t thank the organizers and sponsors enough and may God richly reward you.

Serving God remains our utmost purpose!

Sam Mattock

Once again, I must thank sincerely the President of the British Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (BASMOM), Celestria Hales and to the BASMOM Hospitaller, James Pavey and his team:

Kim O’Connor

Tabitha Brenninkmeijer

Duncan McKechnie

All of the nurses and Doctors

Extra special thanks to those that helped financially to get our hospital pilgrims to France, it would not have been possible without you. And to the Companions of Kenya Welfare Committee, Mr Wayne Hennessy Barrett, Mrs Nathalie Houben, Ms Nwando Dike, Mr Adam Camenzuli; thank you for the countless hours you donated to ensuring our second pilgrimage to Lourdes was able to happen.

For anyone that would like to join the Companions of Kenya for the Order of Malta 2025 Lourdes Pilgrimage, kindly send your details to companionsofkenya@gmail.com

Keep the Faith